I did just run the Rock the Block 10k over the Memorial Day weekend. It was a tough day, but good news is that I was still able to manage my way to a medal!
I wish in college I had learned how to make a proper collage.
As I mentioned in my preview, I was not looking forward to running this race course. I’d run it before and wasn’t a huge fan. Well, be careful what you wish for. Due to all the crazy stormy floody weather we’ve been having in Texas, the course was part underwater. But rather than cancel, the organizers scrambled to get a new certified course.
Look closely folks, the 10k is a two lap course.
First off, kudos to the race for not cancelling, and finding an alternate route. But unfortunately the new route was a 5k distance that we had to run twice. There’s nothing more demoralizing than crossing the finish line and realizing you’re only halfway done. And on the 2nd lap of the race, we hit all the people still trying to finish the 5k. That meant a lot of weaving and missing out on tangents. Throw in a few hills and 180 degree turns, and it was a bit challenging.
Before the race with two normal sized friends and a miniature sized one.
The weather was also a factor. 97% humidity. Ugh. It was like running through pea green soup. Legs felt heavy and when the breeze was at our backs, it was hard to breathe. I saw one guy puking about a mile in. And through a middle section of the race it started to rain on us which made the roads a bit slick.
That all said, I was able to push through and finish 3rd in my age group and 14th overall!
Official stats.
I was hoping to break my PR of 46:00 that I set one year ago, but it wasn’t meant to be. I finished in 46:32, or 7:29 per mile. And I was proud of myself for actually rocking a negative split (I lost those stats doe).
I’ll get you next time, two guys I don’t know!
Not only that, but my peeps from WRRC and TNSR also received age group awards!
Bringing home da bling.
So despite the tough conditions, we had a great time. And they raised a lot of fundage for a good cause.
And best of all, we all went for breakfast tacos after the race!
Racing, medals & tacos…I’ll take it anytime!
How bout you? Race this weekend? Your tips for humidity running? It’s been so long, can anyone tell me what the sun looks like?
-Scott
Piratebobcat 
oh gosh.. two loops would be the worst.!! I’ve never ran a race like that, and hopefully never will. But good job concurring it either way.!
Two loops was the worst! But it’s better than having the race cancelled! Thanks so much!!!!!
Congrats!
Gracias!
Ugh 2 loops. That’s why I hated the 800m in track. Totally demoralizing!
I ran the 400 and 800 in h.s. Luckily I never thought of it like that! But you are right!
Congrats!
Thank you!
Great running! One of my favorite races is actually 2 loops of the 5K course, maybe I am crazy. 🙂
Thank you! And yes, you are crazy. There’s a 5k here that’s two loops – I can’t stand that myself. 😉
Awesome job! I ran a 10k in humidity last week and it was the worst. Such a shock to the system. I did a two loop 5k once. Not a fan because I don’t like to repeat any part of a course when I am running but also because it got a little confusing at the finish when some of us has to go right but the slower people/walkers had to go left. Lots of weaving, as you said.
Thank you! Ugh, the humidity just seems to slow me down no matter what I do. I also do not like repeating any part of the course – whether in a race or a training run. Yes, I know what you mean about the going right or left – nutso!
Yikes, not sure I could have mentally done two loops. I have a friend who travels all over for marathons and half marathons and the series she runs the races are like 10 loops for the marathon. No way I could do that. Way to pull out an AG place in those conditions!
Yeah, I’ve run a 2 loop 5k before and it wasn’t fun either. There’s a 5k/10k/13.1/full race here that I you have to run laps of. I think it’s a 5k distance and then you have to keep looping if you’re running further. Yikes. But 10 loops for a marathon??? That would drive me insane!
Thanks so much!
Congrats on the AG! I’m impressed that they were able to come up with a certified course in time. And as always, YAY TACOS!
Thanks a ton! Yes, props to them for getting it going. I was supposed to run a race on the exact same course last weekend, but it got cancelled. I didn’t realize it was because the trails were flooded!
Congrats on you run and especially in that heat! I managed my first run outside on the weekend – it was short but sweet 🙂
We’re starting to get some hot weather here – going to be +30c today (86 F) – hot for us 😉
Thanks so much! And yay, glad to hear you got to run!
That is warm! We’ve been so overcast here all spring that it’s actually been nice not to have the sun blasting us, but I know that’s coming.
I’ve ran a two loop course before. The second loop includes a hill designed to break your spirit. Naturally I signed up to do it again. Congrats on your finish!
Hahahaha, good for you! I hope you’re able to hold your spirit together! Thanks so much!
That sounds like a rough race. Congrats on your placement! Humidity running is the worst >blech<
Thanks so much! Humidity is the worst for me because I sweat a lot anyway when I exercise and the humidity makes it a million times worse! People ask if I jumped in the lake when they see me.
LOL two normal sized friends and a miniature sized one- I laugh cause I’m always the miniature sized one…WAY TO GO SCOTT!!! Congrats on racing in tough conditions!! The sun is still up there- it’s the really bright looking thing that’ll burn your eyeballs if you stare directly at it. California probably stole it from Texas for a bit?
Hahahaha, I know that gal sometimes reads my blog, so I was wondering what her reaction would be, but luckily she hasn’t said anything…yet!
Thanks so much! Good to know about the sun. I’ll try to remember not to stare at it. I wish we could send you Californians some of our rain!
Congrats on placing! That’s awesome! I just ran a race last night that was a 10k with 2 loops of the same 5k course. Definitely not my favorite either!
Thanks so much! You also had a two looper, eh? I’m definitely not a fan of those courses!
Me either! I’m not sure which it worse, a repeat loop or an out and back.
2 loops are stupid (but still, mad props for not cancelling). Also, I run inside or very early morning or late at night during the summer. I don’t need to be a hero in the humidity!
Congrats on placing!!!!
Haha, it is stoopid. But like you said, at least we got to race! Smart of you to avoid the humidity. I also try to run before the sun comes up, but it’s still humid then – it actually burns off a bit by the sun, but I’d rather run in humidity than the heat of the day.
Two loops sucks for sure, but congrats on placing so high! That’s awesome.
Thanks so much! Yeah, they made the announcement the day before the race about the course change. But that’s better than being cancelled!
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Congrats on a great time despite the humidity! And an AG award – awesome!!! I’m glad they were able to reroute the course and not cancel it 🙂
Thanks so much! Yes, even though I hated running loops, it was better than sitting on the couch!